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Should You Use Doggie Daycare?

Daycare for dogs is a concept that is becoming more and more popular
among the working population. Prior to the development of pet care,
animals were left home all day, often penne up in cages, locked inside
houses, or fenced in yards, left on their own to entertain themselves or
cause trouble as they see fit. Many an owner has come home to a
destroyed home, chewed up shoes or an escaped dog running free in the
neighborhood. Dog daycare eliminates that problem by providing a safe
place for animals to stay and play while their owners are away.

While not enrolling your dog in daycare is not going to turn them
into the undertrained laughingstock of the neighborhood, there are many
advantages to doing so. In a doggie daycare dogs are provided with
grooming services daily, including, but not limited to, bathing,
brushing, nail trimming, coat clipping, and cleaning of eyes, ears and
teeth. More in depth procedures, such as cleaning of anal glands, may be
available at some centers.

In a society where a disobedient dog may result in them having to be
put to sleep, it is very important that all dogs be well trained. Dogs
spend time each day with a professional trainer, who works consistently
with them on basic obedience commands such as sitting and coming when
called. A “doggie boot camp” is available in many locations for pets who
have previously had difficulties in training. Many of these animals
have been written off as untrainable. A highly educated staff works with
the animals daily, using repetition to teach the dogs basic skill. A
high level of success has been achieved through these programs, allowing
the dogs to have more time and focus given to their training than is
possible with an owner who works all day.

Play time and exercise time are both important components of a canine
day care facility. Dogs are walked several times a day, and like
children are often given a playground to play on, allowing them to run,
jump and climb. Separate faculties are available for both large and
small size dogs, with the separation being made at or around twenty five
pounds. Puppies have their own separate area, where they are played
with, housebroken, and loved.

As with a child care facility, guidelines are established for feeding
and napping, with food bowls and sleeping space provided by the day
care. Any nutritional or physical needs the dogs have are observed, with
any problems discussed with both the owner and a veterinarian. In this
way, all parties are involved in a dog’s care, and the chances of a dog
being cared for improperly are greatly reduced.

Along with playground time, all dogs are given plenty of one-on-one
playtime with staff. This time is essential for the dogs happiness, and
illustrates the most important benefit of placing a dog in daycare.
Dogs, like children, require love and attention throughout the day to be
happy and well adjusted. Dogs that receive this love and attention are
less likely to develop common misbehavior problems, and these happy dogs
will make happy owners.